It seems that each time I walk by Summit they are left wanting for customers. I've never been able to figure out why this is asour experiences have always been positive, although limited in number. The inside decor is mainly dark wood with a pretty solid central bar and tons of booths lining the outside rim. We came here with a group of friends most recently have a pretty impressed by the appetizers that we had. The raspberry chipotle chicken wings were very solid. Made better before 7pm as they were half price. The most exciting portion of the evening however after we ordered the fries. How have we missed the fries at this place? We sampled the fries that had a French name (though not in the traditional French fries sense). The masterpiece Included truffle salt, cheese and gravy. While the Canadians are known for their culinary prowess, aside from the delicious bacon that bears the crest of our neighbors to the north, I must say they got something right when they started putting gravy on fries! These little heaven spears are delicately placed in a small baking dish, cheese and toppings graciously placed a top them and baked in the oven. Based on how they came out, I belive the ovens must be run by Keebler elves. The Keebler elves are the only magical beings I know that use it often so I assume they must work at Summit. Straight up these things were amazing. I normally don't gush over fries but wow! They would only be made better if they were added to the happy hour menu. The beer and wine list was okay- not bad, not great - and the dinner menu was pretty standard for gastropub food. Plenty of room inside and they have a solid patio for the non winter months. Not the best place downtown, but certainly not the worst. They seem to have done a good job trying to make the place a little more classy while still maintaining that thin layer of grime you expect in a college town bar. Worth checking out and grabbing something to eat at especially if you're with a group of people who appreciate French cuisine ( read: french fries)
(4)
Liz R.
Food was just ok. Women's bathrooms did not have soap in any of the 3 dispensers. Makes me wonder if they require any of their workers to use soap for washing their hands. After wondering about who might have handled my food it did not seem so appetizing. Annoyed that they still advertise happy hour specials on their drink menu but apparently do not offer them during the summer, which we were not informed of until after we paid. Overall not impressed and would not choose to go back.
(2)
alove L.
The food was absolutely amazing. Everything was fresh an juice and very flavorful....I had the salmon wrap wow amazing and my husband had the spicy blue burger. ..we will definitely make this as one of our afternoon lunch place's
(5)
Mark G.
Decent place to grab some food, nothing too special. Sandwich type of joint, nothing too stand out to put this place over the top. They do try to make it a fine dining type of atmosphere, but there is a club upstairs. So be careful what time you come, unless you want the wild and willing young crowd accompaniy you during your dining experience.
(3)
Max V.
Food is surprisingly good during the day. I have found myself going here for a burger occasionally, although Shorts Burger & Shine is a far better choice for this. The pastas are good and the calzones are top notch. Drink prices are matched with what is to be expected with a college town. It's a freshman bar. That's all you really have to know about the nightlife. I remember going myself when I was younger so I can't really bash it too much. When you reach your sophomore year you find yourself wondering why you even used to go there in the first place. It's more of an Iowa City freshman induction ritual than anything else. The upstairs (when its open) is dark, usually filled with hammered skanks and douchetastic freshman guys still in "high school senior mode" thinking they are the coolest guy in the world for making it into a club that a three year old with a fake ID would be let into. The only patrons over the legal age will be the staff and any creepy seniors looking to cradle-rob for the evening. All that being said, please go and experience it for yourself, but for the love of god don't buy bottle service and brand yourself a eurotrash idiot in the process.
(3)
Sagar J.
This place is great. Came down for the weekend from Chicago, and was recommended to come here by a few people. It was a great time all around. The staff here was really hospitable, a total refresher from Chicago scene. The upstairs area, is more of a nightclub, which was also extremely fun. If back in Iowa City, I will be coming back.
(5)
Wii M.
Not the best place to go clubbing. The upper area gets really crowded on weekends, the people there think they'll all that and a bag of sticks, fights break out and so forth. The feds are usually there supervising the place from the outside.
(2)
Thomas S.
Went to this bar/restaurant after my little brother graduated from Iowa business school. Immediately as we walked in the place reeked of dried, spilled, nasty alcohol. One would think that they would clean up the place a little bit after the college students were occupying it all night. Understandably this is a bar. We finally got to a table that wasn't broken (although the bench had a giant hole in it) and waited almost fifteen minutes...and no waitress came at all. So we got up after drinking our waters and left. Just make a note that if you are ever in Iowa for some celebration- take a pass on this place.
(1)
Kat H.
Came on Saturday night. Upstairs dance floor was closed! Drinks are watered down. Nothing special about this place.
(1)
Heidi S.
This is a good menu for when you have a group of people and you all want something different for dinner. The salads are great, the calzones are great, I've even had a NY Strip here that was also great (totally unexpected, too). The sandwiches and wraps are also very good. I wouldn't classify any of the food as outstanding, and it is a little pricey, but I have always felt that the price was justified by the quantity and quality. The nice selection of beers on tap doesn't hurt either! Also, I've heard this is a really skanky bar at night, but honestly, you would never know it from eating there during the day or at dinner.
(3)
Derek S.
This place is decent for lunch, especially if you can land a table on the patio on a warm day. I usually order the Reuben sandwich and have found it to be average to good (they could toast the bread a little more so it doesn't get soggy). They have an extensive martini list.
(3)
Nick B.
These guys brought in Tim Dwight for an autograph signing this past weekend. It was a great time, and for Saturday specials, they had good prices. I enjoyed my time there. Hope to go back again.
(3)
mel c.
yes, i too, heard it referred to as "The Scummit"- due to skankness- but walking thru the ped mall- you will find that it is a pervasive disease of this college town- and one should not fault a single joint for solo skank. the beers are LARGE and there was alot of MEAT. and not for alot of DOLLARS. ask for the man with the pimp juice if you wanna attract the ladies a la odour.
(3)
Christina S.
Two stars?! That's a little harsh. I'll give it three. I had the pesto linguine, and it was very oily. I asked for butter for my bread, but the waitress brought margarine. My husband asked if she would recommend the halibut, and she said, "I'm not really a fish person." All of these are bad signs, my friend. In the end, my husband got the ribeye and he couldn't stop raving about it. There were also a few Midwestern beers on tap, so it was fun to try those. We were passing through Iowa City just before school started, so there weren't so many obnoxious students around.
(3)
Giada S.
I did not even get to try the food here because the moment I walked through the door, the service was downright awful. My friend was taking me out to dinner and chose to eat here. He even called in to make a reservation. When we got inside, however, we were completely ignored by all the staff until we pulled a staff member aside to ask for help. My friend explained that he had called in to make a reservation, but the staff member merely laughed at him. The staff member then called over two of his friends (who were also working there) and said, "This guy thinks this is a restaurant", to which all three of them laughed. Sure, we had made a mistake in thinking we could make reservations, but was it necessary to laugh at us when we were standing right there?? They did not even try to help us with our predicament. I expected at least a little bit of decency from the staff, but my expectations were clearly unmet. Seeing as the staff was completely unprofessional, my friend and I left without ordering and we NEVER plan on going back.
(1)
James B.
Went for a late weekday dinner. Good buffalo chicken sandwich. Even better sweet potato fries. Prompt service at the bar. The lack of Iowa students was confusing considering the place is across the street from campus. Maybe they were all at the library studying. They have books on flip-cup, right?
(4)
Kristen S.
The Summit is pretty classic and has pretty good service for a sit-down meal with friends and family. I have never been here for the bar atmosphere, only during the day for a meal. Every time I have gone, I have definitely enjoyed the salads. Everyone else just loves their dishes as well. The atmosphere is cozy, with old celebrity photos, televisions with sports, and nice booths. Service has been good and the food delish.
(4)
chad a.
Toting some of our married friends along for our third visit to the Summit they had mentioned that this place was nicknamed the "Scummit" by all that were not annoying frat asses. Well, I am here to tell you that they were surprised by the amazing food, great service and minimal douche bag factor. I believe that the Summit does turn into a breading ground for the Greek folks after 9PM, so get your eating done by then and you should be A-Okay.
(4)
Mike O.
Never had good food, despite the high prices. Hang out with the drunk college students at night rather than eating there.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Bike Parking : No Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Noise Level : Very Loud Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : Yes Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Dogs Allowed : No Waiter Service : Yes
Matt U.
It seems that each time I walk by Summit they are left wanting for customers. I've never been able to figure out why this is asour experiences have always been positive, although limited in number. The inside decor is mainly dark wood with a pretty solid central bar and tons of booths lining the outside rim. We came here with a group of friends most recently have a pretty impressed by the appetizers that we had. The raspberry chipotle chicken wings were very solid. Made better before 7pm as they were half price. The most exciting portion of the evening however after we ordered the fries. How have we missed the fries at this place? We sampled the fries that had a French name (though not in the traditional French fries sense). The masterpiece Included truffle salt, cheese and gravy. While the Canadians are known for their culinary prowess, aside from the delicious bacon that bears the crest of our neighbors to the north, I must say they got something right when they started putting gravy on fries! These little heaven spears are delicately placed in a small baking dish, cheese and toppings graciously placed a top them and baked in the oven. Based on how they came out, I belive the ovens must be run by Keebler elves. The Keebler elves are the only magical beings I know that use it often so I assume they must work at Summit. Straight up these things were amazing. I normally don't gush over fries but wow! They would only be made better if they were added to the happy hour menu. The beer and wine list was okay- not bad, not great - and the dinner menu was pretty standard for gastropub food. Plenty of room inside and they have a solid patio for the non winter months. Not the best place downtown, but certainly not the worst. They seem to have done a good job trying to make the place a little more classy while still maintaining that thin layer of grime you expect in a college town bar. Worth checking out and grabbing something to eat at especially if you're with a group of people who appreciate French cuisine ( read: french fries)
(4)Liz R.
Food was just ok. Women's bathrooms did not have soap in any of the 3 dispensers. Makes me wonder if they require any of their workers to use soap for washing their hands. After wondering about who might have handled my food it did not seem so appetizing. Annoyed that they still advertise happy hour specials on their drink menu but apparently do not offer them during the summer, which we were not informed of until after we paid. Overall not impressed and would not choose to go back.
(2)alove L.
The food was absolutely amazing. Everything was fresh an juice and very flavorful....I had the salmon wrap wow amazing and my husband had the spicy blue burger. ..we will definitely make this as one of our afternoon lunch place's
(5)Mark G.
Decent place to grab some food, nothing too special. Sandwich type of joint, nothing too stand out to put this place over the top. They do try to make it a fine dining type of atmosphere, but there is a club upstairs. So be careful what time you come, unless you want the wild and willing young crowd accompaniy you during your dining experience.
(3)Max V.
Food is surprisingly good during the day. I have found myself going here for a burger occasionally, although Shorts Burger & Shine is a far better choice for this. The pastas are good and the calzones are top notch. Drink prices are matched with what is to be expected with a college town. It's a freshman bar. That's all you really have to know about the nightlife. I remember going myself when I was younger so I can't really bash it too much. When you reach your sophomore year you find yourself wondering why you even used to go there in the first place. It's more of an Iowa City freshman induction ritual than anything else. The upstairs (when its open) is dark, usually filled with hammered skanks and douchetastic freshman guys still in "high school senior mode" thinking they are the coolest guy in the world for making it into a club that a three year old with a fake ID would be let into. The only patrons over the legal age will be the staff and any creepy seniors looking to cradle-rob for the evening. All that being said, please go and experience it for yourself, but for the love of god don't buy bottle service and brand yourself a eurotrash idiot in the process.
(3)Sagar J.
This place is great. Came down for the weekend from Chicago, and was recommended to come here by a few people. It was a great time all around. The staff here was really hospitable, a total refresher from Chicago scene. The upstairs area, is more of a nightclub, which was also extremely fun. If back in Iowa City, I will be coming back.
(5)Wii M.
Not the best place to go clubbing. The upper area gets really crowded on weekends, the people there think they'll all that and a bag of sticks, fights break out and so forth. The feds are usually there supervising the place from the outside.
(2)Thomas S.
Went to this bar/restaurant after my little brother graduated from Iowa business school. Immediately as we walked in the place reeked of dried, spilled, nasty alcohol. One would think that they would clean up the place a little bit after the college students were occupying it all night. Understandably this is a bar. We finally got to a table that wasn't broken (although the bench had a giant hole in it) and waited almost fifteen minutes...and no waitress came at all. So we got up after drinking our waters and left. Just make a note that if you are ever in Iowa for some celebration- take a pass on this place.
(1)Kat H.
Came on Saturday night. Upstairs dance floor was closed! Drinks are watered down. Nothing special about this place.
(1)Heidi S.
This is a good menu for when you have a group of people and you all want something different for dinner. The salads are great, the calzones are great, I've even had a NY Strip here that was also great (totally unexpected, too). The sandwiches and wraps are also very good. I wouldn't classify any of the food as outstanding, and it is a little pricey, but I have always felt that the price was justified by the quantity and quality. The nice selection of beers on tap doesn't hurt either! Also, I've heard this is a really skanky bar at night, but honestly, you would never know it from eating there during the day or at dinner.
(3)Derek S.
This place is decent for lunch, especially if you can land a table on the patio on a warm day. I usually order the Reuben sandwich and have found it to be average to good (they could toast the bread a little more so it doesn't get soggy). They have an extensive martini list.
(3)Nick B.
These guys brought in Tim Dwight for an autograph signing this past weekend. It was a great time, and for Saturday specials, they had good prices. I enjoyed my time there. Hope to go back again.
(3)mel c.
yes, i too, heard it referred to as "The Scummit"- due to skankness- but walking thru the ped mall- you will find that it is a pervasive disease of this college town- and one should not fault a single joint for solo skank. the beers are LARGE and there was alot of MEAT. and not for alot of DOLLARS. ask for the man with the pimp juice if you wanna attract the ladies a la odour.
(3)Christina S.
Two stars?! That's a little harsh. I'll give it three. I had the pesto linguine, and it was very oily. I asked for butter for my bread, but the waitress brought margarine. My husband asked if she would recommend the halibut, and she said, "I'm not really a fish person." All of these are bad signs, my friend. In the end, my husband got the ribeye and he couldn't stop raving about it. There were also a few Midwestern beers on tap, so it was fun to try those. We were passing through Iowa City just before school started, so there weren't so many obnoxious students around.
(3)Giada S.
I did not even get to try the food here because the moment I walked through the door, the service was downright awful. My friend was taking me out to dinner and chose to eat here. He even called in to make a reservation. When we got inside, however, we were completely ignored by all the staff until we pulled a staff member aside to ask for help. My friend explained that he had called in to make a reservation, but the staff member merely laughed at him. The staff member then called over two of his friends (who were also working there) and said, "This guy thinks this is a restaurant", to which all three of them laughed. Sure, we had made a mistake in thinking we could make reservations, but was it necessary to laugh at us when we were standing right there?? They did not even try to help us with our predicament. I expected at least a little bit of decency from the staff, but my expectations were clearly unmet. Seeing as the staff was completely unprofessional, my friend and I left without ordering and we NEVER plan on going back.
(1)James B.
Went for a late weekday dinner. Good buffalo chicken sandwich. Even better sweet potato fries. Prompt service at the bar. The lack of Iowa students was confusing considering the place is across the street from campus. Maybe they were all at the library studying. They have books on flip-cup, right?
(4)Kristen S.
The Summit is pretty classic and has pretty good service for a sit-down meal with friends and family. I have never been here for the bar atmosphere, only during the day for a meal. Every time I have gone, I have definitely enjoyed the salads. Everyone else just loves their dishes as well. The atmosphere is cozy, with old celebrity photos, televisions with sports, and nice booths. Service has been good and the food delish.
(4)chad a.
Toting some of our married friends along for our third visit to the Summit they had mentioned that this place was nicknamed the "Scummit" by all that were not annoying frat asses. Well, I am here to tell you that they were surprised by the amazing food, great service and minimal douche bag factor. I believe that the Summit does turn into a breading ground for the Greek folks after 9PM, so get your eating done by then and you should be A-Okay.
(4)Mike O.
Never had good food, despite the high prices. Hang out with the drunk college students at night rather than eating there.
(1)